Jack Garland Airport in North Bay is staying open to provide essential air transportation services through the COVID-19 pandemic, but its manager says protocols are in place to protect visitors.
In a March 24 statement, Jack Santerre said the airport is asking visitors to comply with new operating procedures that are designed to ensure the safety of travellers and visitors.
“In consultation with on-site agencies, community partners and our airport tenants, we have heightened protocols that include restricting access, encouraging social distancing, and limiting non-essential activities,” Santerre said.
“We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting frequency of common areas and touch surfaces. We are following the precautions and procedures received through briefings and news alerts from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and local public health authorities to ensure best practices are followed.
A number of airline operators have revised their traffic coming in and out of the airport.
Air Canada has cancelled all North Bay flights between March 23 and April 30.
Bearskin Airlines will operate a single daily scheduled flight in addition to charter operations.
Sunwing has halted commercial charter southern flight operations.
Santerre advised people to check in frequently for updates at the airport’s website, and to address the airlines directly to manage any booked travel arrangements.
